Kenny Community School httpskennymplsk12mnus

5720 Emerson Avenue S Minneapolis MN 55419 Bill Gibbs Principal williamgibbsmplsk12mnus

Main Office (612) 668-3340 Fax (612) 668-3350Attendance (612) 668-3346 MPLS Kids (612) 668-3344

05-15-2020

Hello Kenny Families

Wow what a spring What a week On Tuesday the school board voted to move ahead with the

Comprehensive District Design (CDD) proposal This will have a significant impact on the future of Kenny as

the southwest corner of the city will go from one community school to three There are still a lot of details that

need to be worked out The good news is that they will be allowing grandfathering along with continuing to

give sibling preference and open enrollment The changes will not be implemented until the 2021-2022 school

year The latest and most detailed information can be found at httpswwwcddmplsk12mnus

The next school year will look very much like the beginning of this school year I plan to see you in person in

September Also your childrenrsquos classmates will almost all be the same When I was meeting with the

Instructional Leadership Team to plan classification the process we use to assign children to classrooms one

of the teachers suggested we move the classrooms forward intact I found that intriguing I actually had a

couple parents email me the same suggestion This makes sense for so many different reasons

Before we were forced to move to distant learning the classrooms had really come together We made a

few mid-year adjustments and by spring break we were really happy with the balance we had in our

classrooms They had established strong communities Then along came COVID 19 Overnight we lost the

ability to interact in person On the other hand if you have watched a morning meeting with your children

you see the sense of pride they see when they see their classmates and teacher We will keep those

communities together next year We feel this will really help the social-emotional needs of the children next

fall

Yet this spring we will be setting up times for you to come and pick up your childrsquos belongings This is

supposed to take place the first week in June The tentative plan will have us assigning pick up times by

grade level If we can get the logistics figured out and you have more than one child at Kenny we would like

to allow you to pick everything up at once Fifth grade will be different because we hope each fifth grader

can pick up their materials in person If a fifth grader cannot get to school that day the fifth-grade team will

make sure those the materials get delivered in person We feel very strongly about that as this is really an

equity issue not everyone has access to transportation and families have different work schedules We will

see every fifth grader

There are some random things to share too You should be receiving report cards in the mail this week If you

are borrowing district technology you will be able to use it through the summer We are also working to make

sure our subscriptions to Lexia 5 and Dreambox are good through the summer Spring registration is taking

place on-line and we will do a virtual live introduction of Kenny School and the staff this month

Thank you for partnering with us to make this spring be the best learning experience possible

Bill Gibbs Principal

Dates to Remember

Monday May

18

MN Stay at

Home becomes

MN Stay Safe

On TUESDAY MAY 12 the MInneapolis School Board APPROVED the

Comprehensive District Design (CDD)

No structural changes (such as grade

reconfiguration or staff moves) will go

into effect until the Fall of 2021

VIEW THE AGENDA HERE or visit

httpsboardmplsk12mnus

meeting_agenda_packet_and_minutes

Watch live stream HERE or visit

DISTANCE LEARNING ATTENDANCE LINE

MPS policy requires schools to take student attendance daily If something is

preventing your child from participating please contact

Angie McCannmdashKenny School Health Office

angelamccannmplsk12mnus

Or call the Districtrsquos attendance line at (612) 668-1200 if you do not

have access to email

As we move into our 7th week of Distant Learning itrsquos important to

remember to take a ldquomental breakrdquo for yourself Go for a walk ldquounplugrdquo from

your devices and justBREATHE

Visit the Districtrsquos new Caring Corner at

httpssitesgooglecomviewmpscaringcorner

Care for yourself care for others breathe meditate create and practice

mindful movementRecharge

CARING CORNER

The District mailed the report cards out this week

If you have NOT received your studentrsquos report card by

Monday May 18 please email our school secretary Linda

Halverson at

lindahalversonmplsk12mnus

Have you set up an account on the Parent Portal yet

This is a great way to access current information about your studentrsquos

grades attendance assignments daily schedule and transcript

Visit the MPS website for more information

For instructions on how to set up an account click HERE or visit

httpsparentportalmplsk12mnusuploads

parentportalinstructions_2pdf

Families of 5th graders will need this tool next year so get set up now

Jackson A Everett R and Zara S are being honored for their identity poems

that were submitted to the MRA Celebrate Literacy event

Jackson and Zara are finalists and Everett is an honoree

Way to go

Loving kind caring fun

Lover of dogs cats

family trees

Who feels happy when

people are kind

Who wonders what could

happen in the world

Who fears not having a

family

Who would like to have

everyone be kind

Who is able to juggle

Who dreams of a world

made of candy

-Jackson

I am a hard worker

I wonder why the Nazirsquos thought it

was ok to start a war

I hear Dangler talking

I see Spiderman

I want a big Pokemon card

I am a hard worker

I pretend to be a comic book writer

I feel happy

I touch my stuffies

I worry about the devil

I cry when my Great grandpa was

in the hospital

I am a hard worker

I understand my great grandpa was

in World War II

I say that my stuffies can talk

I dream to have a huge monkey

I try to climb up the wall at Sky

Zone

I hope for summer to come soon

I am a hard worker

-Everett

I am kind and smart

I wonder if music is actually art

I hear whistling that sounds like birds

I see a heart on kind peoples real hearts

I want world peace

I am kind and smart

I pretend to walk a dog

I feel happy

I touch my hamster

I worry about fires

I cry when my family dies

I am kind and smart

I understand about learning

I say kindness is the best

I dream about animals getting along

I try to do yoga well

I hope for a dog

I am kind and smart

-Zara

The time has come to pass the baton We are looking for volunteers to

fill the following open positions

Chair Co-Chair Treasurer

It is preferred these positions hold a two-year commitment

The Kenny Parent Foundation works to build community between Kenny

students staff and families Through the generosity of our families and event

sponsors the Kenny Parent Foundation has supported countless building

projects classroom curriculum enhancements and our much loved family

events Come join us

If you are interested or would like more information on

any of these positions please contact

Janet Bomar janetkbomaryahoocom or

Sarah Walter swalterhriicom

A note from Ms Thomson in the Media Center

Most Kenny students checked out additional books from the school library

before the school closure in March I hope youve enjoyed them Please

continue to take good care of them and get ready to return them back to

school in the coming weeks More information will be coming soon If you

have finished reading all of your Kenny books be sure to check the link

below for information on ebooks audio books and curbside pick up from

local libraries

httpskennymplsk12mnusmedia_2

The time has come to pass the baton We are looking for volunteers to

fill the following open positions

Chair Co-Chair Treasurer

It is preferred these positions hold a two-year commitment

The Kenny Parent Foundation works to build community between Kenny

students staff and families Through the generosity of our families and event

sponsors the Kenny Parent Foundation has supported countless building

projects classroom curriculum enhancements and our much loved family

events Come join us

If you are interested or would like more information on

any of these positions please contact

Janet Bomar janetkbomaryahoocom or

Sarah Walter swalterhriicom

A note from Ms Thomson in the Media Center

Most Kenny students checked out additional books from the school library

before the school closure in March I hope youve enjoyed them Please

continue to take good care of them and get ready to return them back to

school in the coming weeks More information will be coming soon If you

have finished reading all of your Kenny books be sure to check the link

below for information on ebooks audio books and curbside pick up from

local libraries

httpskennymplsk12mnusmedia_2

Science Expo Will Return Next Year

Due to the challenges posed by distance learning the Kenny Science Expo

will not take place this year

An online version was considered but a survey of participant families

indicated there was limited interest

Although its disappointing to lose another traditional element of the Kenny

school year were confident the Science Expo will return in 2021 to again

showcase our students ingenuity and creativity

If any students have completed a project this year and would like to

showcase their work email kennysciexpogmailcom or Susie Friederich at

susanfriederichmplsk12mnus

We can publish a photo and description in a future newsletter

Field Day

Get ready for the 1st ever Distance Learning Field day

Look for a fun day of unique events you can do with your friends and

family

Ms Johnson will guide you in a video with events like a shoe kick dash

a toe grab and more

Field Day will be posted on Monday May 18th Cant wait to see your

fun videos and responses

CLICK HERE for order form and Kenny Parent Foundation

PayPal link or visit

httpsdocsgooglecomformsd

e1FAIpQLScmiv4VgJmO8tgkH9YckSmnQ7IqON3

dFJ4MuxIsSyj1to_DfQviewform

GENERAL SUMMER SCHOOL SESSIONS

Students entering 1stmdash5th grade

SITE LOCATION Whittier International Elementary located at 315 West

26th Street Minneapolis

WHEN June 15-July 23

TIME 800am ndash 230pm

OPEN TO ALLNO INVITATION NEEDED SIGN UP NOW

httpssummerschoolmplsk12mnus1-5_whittier

GEMSmdashGISE K-8 STEM SUMMER ACADEMY

Students entering 1stmdash5th grade

SITE LOCATION Hmong International Academy located at 1501 North 30th

Avenue Minneapolis

WHEN June 15mdashJuly 23

TIME 915-ammdash345pm

CONTENT FOCUS AREAS

bull GEMS (Girls in Engineering Mathematics and Science)

bull GISE (Guys in Science and Engineering)

bull STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics)

bull READING and MATH

OPEN TO ALLNO INVITATION NEEDED SIGN UP NOW

httpssummerschoolmplsk12mnus1-5_hmong_international_academy

REGISTER TODAY

WINDOM SCHOOL IS THE CLOSEST LOCATION TO KENNY SCHOOLmdashThursdays

from 10am-2pm

MPS Meal Distribution SitesOPEN TO ALL

MPS has increased its food distribution sites and schedules For the most current information

visit httpscwsmplsk12mnuscovid19

The closest site to Kenny School is Windom School (5821 Wentworth Ave S)

10ammdash2pm Friday (04-03-20)

10am-2pm THURSDAYS ONLY

Food Resources In Hennepin County

bull Hennepin Healthcare httpswwwhennepinhealthcareorgsupport-servicesfood-resources

bull Give Me The Mike httpsgivemethemikecom20200315a-growing-list-of-programs-and-restaurants-offering-

food-to-families-in-minnesota

bull KSTP httpskstpcomcoronaviruslist-of-restaurants-offering-free-lunches-while-schools-are-cloased5674954

Housing

bull First Call For Help 211 or (651) 291-0211 (available 247) for resources in your area

bull Shelter Hotline (888) 234-1329

Internet

bull Two months of free internet service through Comcast wwwinternetessentialscom

The accessible website also includes the option to video chat with customer service agents in American Sign Lan-

guage There are two dedicated phone numbers (855) 846-8376 for English and (855) 765-6995 for Spanish

Hennepin County Mental Health Resources

bull 911 if the child or someone else is in immediate or physical danger

bull Mobile crisis team Call (612) 348-2233 They provide support when a child 17 years or younger is in crisis (For a

crisis involving someone 18 or older call (612) 596-1223) We will go where the child is located to provide a risk

assessment help to de-escalate crisis develop a plan to keep the child safe at home and offer resources and

referrals Telephone consultation and stabilization services are also available

Children who have serious and long-lasting mental health needs can receive mental health case management

services to help them and their families navigate the mental health system Mental health case managers help

children and their families obtain and coordinate therapeutic and supportive services that address the childrsquos

mental health issues and related social recreational health educational and vocational needs Mental health

case management services are provided by community agencies as well as county social workers

To be eligible for mental health case management services a child must have recently completed a diagnostic

assessment and be experiencing a ldquosevere emotional disturbancerdquo as determined by a

mental health professional For assistance in obtaining mental health case management

services call (612) 348-4111

MPS Meal Distribution SitesOPEN TO ALL

MPS has increased its food distribution sites and schedules For the most current information

visit httpscwsmplsk12mnuscovid19

The closest site to Kenny School is Windom School (5821 Wentworth Ave S)

10ammdash2pm Friday (04-03-20)

10am-2pm THURSDAYS ONLY

Food Resources In Hennepin County

bull Hennepin Healthcare httpswwwhennepinhealthcareorgsupport-servicesfood-resources

bull Give Me The Mike httpsgivemethemikecom20200315a-growing-list-of-programs-and-restaurants-offering-

food-to-families-in-minnesota

bull KSTP httpskstpcomcoronaviruslist-of-restaurants-offering-free-lunches-while-schools-are-cloased5674954

Housing

bull First Call For Help 211 or (651) 291-0211 (available 247) for resources in your area

bull Shelter Hotline (888) 234-1329

Internet

bull Two months of free internet service through Comcast wwwinternetessentialscom

The accessible website also includes the option to video chat with customer service agents in American Sign Lan-

guage There are two dedicated phone numbers (855) 846-8376 for English and (855) 765-6995 for Spanish

Hennepin County Mental Health Resources

bull 911 if the child or someone else is in immediate or physical danger

bull Mobile crisis team Call (612) 348-2233 They provide support when a child 17 years or younger is in crisis (For a

crisis involving someone 18 or older call (612) 596-1223) We will go where the child is located to provide a risk

assessment help to de-escalate crisis develop a plan to keep the child safe at home and offer resources and

referrals Telephone consultation and stabilization services are also available

Children who have serious and long-lasting mental health needs can receive mental health case management

services to help them and their families navigate the mental health system Mental health case managers help

children and their families obtain and coordinate therapeutic and supportive services that address the childrsquos

mental health issues and related social recreational health educational and vocational needs Mental health

case management services are provided by community agencies as well as county social workers

To be eligible for mental health case management services a child must have recently completed a diagnostic

assessment and be experiencing a ldquosevere emotional disturbancerdquo as determined by a

mental health professional For assistance in obtaining mental health case management

services call (612) 348-4111

Crisis Text Line

bull httpswwwcrisistextlineorg

bull Text Home to 741741

Suicide Prevention Lifeline

bull httpssuicidepreventionlifelineorg

bull Call (800) 273-8255

Hennepin County Services

bull Call (612) 348-2193

MPS Community Resources Guide

bull httpsmultilingualmplsk12mnusuploadsfamily_engagement_community_resource_guide_2pdf

Hennepin County Resource List

bull httpswwwcaphennepinorgcommunity-resources

Hennepin County Youth Resource List

bull httpswwwhennepinusresidentshuman-servicesresources-youth

Talking With Children About CORONAVIRUS-19

As public conversations around coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) increase children may worry about them-

selves their family and friends getting ill with COVID-19 Parents family members school staff and other trusted

adults can play an important role in helping children make sense of what they hear in a way that is honest accu-

rate and minimizes anxiety or fear CDC has created guidance to help adults have conversations with children

about COVID-19 and ways they can avoid getting and spreading the disease

General Principles For Talking With Children

bull Remain calm and reassuring Remember that children will react to both what you say and how you say it

They will pick up cues from the conversations you have with them and with others

bull Make yourself available to listen and to talk Make time to talk Be sure children know they can come to you

when they have questions

bull Avoid language that might blame others and lead to stigma Remember that viruses can make anyone sick

regardless of the personrsquos race or ethnicity Avoid making assumptions about who might have COVID-19

bull Pay attention to what children see and hear on television radio or online Consider reducing the amount of

screen time focused on COVID-19 Too much information on one topic can lead to anxiety

Provide information that is honest and accurate Give children information that is truthful and appropriate for the

age and development level of the child Talk to children about how some stories on COVID-19 on the internet

and social media may be based on rumors and inaccurate

Teach children everyday actions to reduce the spread of germs

Remind children to stay away from people who are coughing sneezing or sick

Remind them to cough or sneeze into a tissue or their elbow then throw the

tissue in the trash Discuss any new actions that may be taken at school to help

protect children Get children into a handwashing habit Teach them to wash

their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after blow-

ing their nose coughing or sneezing going to the bathroom and before prep-

ping andor eating food

Facts about COVID-19 For Discussion With Children Try to keep information simple and remind

them that health and school officials are working hard to keep everyone safe and healthy

What is COVID-19 COVID-19 is the short name for ldquocoronavirus disease 2019rdquo It is a new virus Doctors

and scientists are still learning about it Recently this virus has made a lot of people sick Scientists and

doctors think that most people will be ok especially kids but some people might get pretty sick Doctors

and health experts are working hard to keep people healthy

What can I do so that I donrsquot get COVID-19 You can practice healthy habits at home school

and play to help protect against the spread of COVID-19 Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow If

you sneeze or cough into a tissue throw it in the trash right away Keep your hands out of your mouth

nose and eyes This will help keep germs out of your body Wash your hands with soap and water for at

least 20 seconds Follow these five stepsmdashwet lather (make bubbles) scrub scrub (rub together) rinse and

dry You can sing the ldquoHappy Birthdayrdquo song twice If you feel sick stay home Just like you donrsquot want to

get other peoplersquos germs in your body other people donrsquot want to get your germs either

What happens if you get sick with COVID-19 COVID-19 can look different in different people

For many people being sick with COVID-19 would be a little bit like having the flu People can get a fever

cough or have a hard time taking deep breaths Most people who have gotten COVID-19 have not

gotten very sick Only a small group of people get it have had more serious problems From what doctors

have seen so far most children donrsquot seem to get very sick While a lot of adults get sick most adults get

better

If you do get sick it doesnrsquot matter if you have COVID-19 People can get sick from all kinds of germs

Whatrsquos important to remember is that if you do get sick the adults at home and school will help get you

any help you need

If you suspect your child may have COVID-19 call the healthcare facility to let them know before you

bring your child in to see them

Minneapolis Public Schools

COVID-19 Response Plan

httpsmplsk12mnuscovid_responsehtml

Stay Informed

httpkennymplsk12mnus Bookmark the Kenny Website

for quick access to the Staff Directory the school

schedule meeting times and new information

To be added to the Wednesday newsletter email list or

if you have information you would like to submit to the

Wednesday newsletter please email

kennyschoolptogmailcom

By 5pm on Friday

Join us on Facebook amp keep up with all the latest Kenny news

httpwwwfacebookcomkennypta